Archives June 2025

SMSF Trustee Changes, Death Benefits & Disputes: A Legal Guide for Trustees

Establishing a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) is not the final step—it is the beginning of an ongoing legal and compliance journey. As life circumstances evolve—through marriage, death, separation, or the departure of members—so too do the legal obligations and risks associated with your SMSF. Without ongoing legal supervision, an SMSF can become vulnerable to serious disputes, compliance breaches, and unintended tax consequences.

This article highlights critical post-establishment issues trustees must be aware of, including trustee changes, death benefits, disputes, and questions about purchasing property through an SMSF using a custodial trust. At W & G Lawyers, we are committed to ensuring that your SMSF remains legally robust and aligned with your intentions, no matter what changes life brings.

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PLT Student Reflections: Real Experience, Real Lessons at W & G Lawyers

As part of our continued commitment to fostering future legal professionals, W & G Lawyers had the pleasure of welcoming Krushanth Thanabalasingam, a PLT student from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), for a four-week placement in June 2025.
We are pleased to share his personal reflection, which offers thoughtful insight into his experience, development, and the realities of working within a legal practice.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using an SMSF to Buy Property with a Loan

Using a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) to invest in real property can be a powerful wealth-building strategy for Australians. But when borrowed funds are involved, the legal and compliance risks increase significantly. One of the most common and costly errors occurs right at the beginning — when the wrong purchaser is named on the contract.

At W & G Lawyers, we regularly assist clients in navigating the legal complexity of SMSF property purchases involving finance, ensuring the right structure is in place from day one.

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Can You Use Your SMSF to Buy Property? Here’s What You Need to Know

Using a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) to invest in property is becoming a popular strategy among Australians looking to take more control of their retirement savings. Whether you’re thinking of buying a commercial property for your business or diversifying your super portfolio, it’s definitely possible — but the rules are strict, and getting it wrong can be costly.

At W & G Lawyers, we help make sure you stay compliant and confident from start to finish.

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Managing Your Future: Is an SMSF Right for Your Family?

Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) have become an increasingly popular option for Australians seeking greater control over their retirement savings. Unlike traditional industry or retail super funds, an SMSF gives its members the ability to manage their own investment strategy, including direct property and share ownership. However, with this flexibility comes significant legal responsibility. If you are considering setting up an SMSF, it is essential to understand the legal framework, compliance obligations, and potential risks involved.

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First Time Buying a Home in Queensland? Here’s Your Ultimate Legal Guide

Buying your first home in Queensland is one of life’s most exciting milestones — but it also comes with a long list of legal, financial, and practical steps that many buyers aren’t prepared for.

Whether you’re just starting your search or have already signed a contract, this guide walks you through everything you need to know — including hidden costs, legal rights, government support, and tips to avoid costly mistakes. Each section links to our full articles for in-depth help.

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My Neighbour Built on My Land—What Now?

Boundary disputes between neighbours aren’t unusual—but when someone builds over the line, things can get messy fast. In Queensland, the Property Law Act 1974 gives property owners a way to deal with this through what’s called encroachment proceedings.

The recent case of Wardanski v Mawby (No 2) gives us a real-life example of how the Court handles this kind of situation—and what happens when people refuse to settle.

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First Home in Queensland? Don’t Forget These Hidden Upfront Costs

Saving for a home deposit is a huge milestone—congratulations! 🎉 But before you start house hunting, it’s important to know that the deposit is only part of the picture. There are several upfront costs that many first-home buyers don’t anticipate.

At W & G Lawyers, we help Queensland buyers understand what’s involved and avoid unpleasant surprises at settlement. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

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